The Ashmolean museum in Oxford has re-opened after a lot of building work, and it is stunning...
It used to be a bit dull and dusty. But now everything is displayed so well and so artistically.
Solihull Gallery can be approached either from the library or from the theatre. Both parts of the cultural centre meet here. The current exhibition of sculpture made from soft furnishings and loved objects is by Kirsty E Smith.
Here is an old biscuit tin she has memories of, highly elaborated. She says as introduction to the exhibition "I live in a constant dialogue between my childhood memories and my experience of the preseent... Making is something I have done since a child..' To find out more visit her blog Frillip Moolog.
Just a couple of views. This shows the furrowed hillsides - possibly caused by the retreating ice.
And two different couples from different generations enjoying the view.
Here is the Great Hall at Goldsmith's College before the ceremony.
It is full most days this week for a different batch of students. Today was the day of Anthropology, Sociology, and Art.
Time has gone by so quickly. Our son is in the middle of this picture.
Up they go...
Ulverston in Cumbria used to have a backstreet Laurel and Hardy museum with newspaper clippings about Stan Laurel, who originally came from the town. Earlier this year a new statue was unveiled in front of the Coronation Hall.
This view is from Grange Railway Station over what was the Grange Sands. It is far less sandy having been overgrown by an invasive plant since the last time we were there about ten years ago. After taking this picture I was told by the station master that photography in the station was no longer allowed because it is an infringement of copyright. So that too has changed since ten years ago.
Our main reason for going was not to see the station but to view all the art and craft displays along the promenade.
This lady is creating flowers from willow sticks which are then mounted on hazel.
Not everybody came properly dressed for the Millom & Broughton Country Show in Cumbria
Nethertheless you don't need to be a country person to recognise prize winning vegetables...
or be able to spot prize winning poultry
But it does help to have a basic understanding of country ways.
Jesus Christ with churches behind...
Two ladies on a bench.
Before returning home a couple of images of things British found in Prague. This wonderful statue of Churchill...
During my stay here I have been reading The Castle by Franz Kafka. This simple monument to Kafka, and his parents is in the jewish cemetary. 
Ivy grows over and between most graves. Since the holocaust very few new graves have been erected in this particular cemetary.
